Every night there are producers, directors, casting directors, managers, and agents, out at comedy clubs looking for talent. Where else can they see actors, performing material that was specifically developed for them - doing characters, dialects, and act-outs that showcase their unique brand of funny?

The question for most actors is “how can I begin to participate in this incredible showcase?” Fortunately, the answer is not difficult. The fact is that anyone who is funny can learn the building blocks of standup comedy and craft a routine in as little as eight weeks!

The trick is avoiding the pitfalls and sticking to the proven tactics that work.

While there are exceptions to every rule, here are a few good guidelines to get you started in standup comedy (which is very different than a one-person show, sketch, or improv comedy). Also see Judy Carter's excellent book "The Comedy Bible".

Some Standup Guidelines:

Don't Tell Stories!

 

The audience will not relate to stories about your Uncle Morty. They don't even know your Uncle Morty and they will never meet Uncle Morty. Therefore, they are probably not going to listen to a story about him. However, they will relate to the topic of having loud family members who embarrass us at the worst times.

Pick Topics That Are Personal, But Universal.

Part of the trick of standup, is finding strong opinions about things that you care about, and that other people relate to. If your roommate annoys you, then we can relate to it because all of us, at one point or another, have lived with someone who has driven us crazy. You have found a great topic. Having an extremely rare skin disease is not a great topic.

Act Out In The Present Time.

 

Don't tell us what happened three days ago (a story); put us in the action right now, right here. If you are talking about fighting with your roommate, then let us see the argument as if it is happening right now, as if we're experiencing it fresh- with you- right here. The magic of standup is creating situations right here, for all of us to enjoy, experience, and laugh at together. (Kind of makes you see why so many stand-up comedians get cast in sitcoms.)

So Let's Put It All Together....

You found a great relatable topic that your audience can relate to. Now, create some premises about that topic, and then act it out in the present time by stepping up to the mic.

So that's it. It takes some work, some faith and trust!

Until then, keep laughing.

ABOUT Gerry Katzman
Gerry Katzman is an accomplished teacher of stand-up comedy and a comedian who has performed at The Improv, The Laugh Factory, The Comedy Store, The Bellagio Hotel, The Magic Castle, The Friars Club and many other venues. He has also appeared on all of the major television networks.

For more information about Gerry's standup comedy class and to get a free comedy consultation- please visit:

www.StandUpComedyClass.com or call 323.251.1286